Iowa State Falls to Texas Tech in Series Opener

LUBBOCK, Texas – The Iowa State softball team started its Big 12 series at Texas Tech with a defeat Friday night at Rocky Johnson Field. The Red Raiders picked up a 15-0 victory in five innings. The loss dropped ISU to 21-24-1 on the season, 1-9 in the Big 12. TTU improved to 34-15 overall, 7-6 in the Big 12.

A Lead-Off Bunt DoubleIt would not surprise anyone to hear that Brittany Gomez led off the game with an infield hit, her 35th of the season. This was probably the most unique of the 35 as she bunted it over the head of a charging-in Brittany Lee at third for her hit. The way the Tech infield had situated, that left no one covering second and Gomez sped around and over to second for a bunted infield double.

However, Tech re-established control of the inning as starter Gretchen Aucoin got a couple of strikeouts and a liner back to the circle to leave Gomez stranded on second.

Texas Tech Takes ControlThe Red Raiders did not waste time getting ahead as the bottom of the first featured an RBI-single from Cassie McClure to take the lead and then a 3-run home run by Kierra Miles two batters later to make it 4-0.

Tech loaded the bases for Sydni Emanuel. She hit one through the middle for what looked like would just be an RBI-single. However, it rolled past the glove of Gomez and into the wall in center. All the runners scored and it became a case of whether Emanuel would make it around. Lexi Slater’s throw to home and Hartman was just late and Tech had an 8-0 lead after one inning.

On DeckIowa State and Texas Tech play game two of their series tomorrow at 4 p.m.